The Avalanche could be a frontrunner in the Derek Ryan sweepstakes. I’ve heard that Colorado is in the negotiation stage with Ryan on a two-way contract for 2015-16 and I’m in the process of confirming it with the player or his agent. The Avs declined comment.
The Maple Leafs and Capitals are also in the mix.
Ryan, 28, is an older version of Tampa Bay’s Tyler Johnson, 24. The undrafted duo are buddies, too, both raised in Spokane, Wash. The 5-foot-10, 180-pound Ryan — who, like Johnson is a right-shooting center — played for Orebro HK and led the Swedish Hockey League in scoring this season (60 points in 55 games).